What Makes a Great Personal Statement?
Your personal statement is one of the most important parts of your UCAS application, a crucial 4,000-character snapshot that can influence whether you secure an interview or offer. According to UCAS, admissions tutors read thousands of applications each year, so your statement needs to stand out not just for its content, but for its clarity, structure, and authenticity.
For the 2026 entry, the personal statement format has changed. Instead of one long, free-flowing statement, you will now be asked to answer three key questions: why do you want to study this course, how have your qualifications and studies helped you prepare for this course or subject, what else have you done to prepare outside of education and why are these experiences useful. This shift means you’ll need to be more focused, structuring your answers directly around these prompts while still conveying personality and enthusiasm.
Why Do You Want to Study This Course
This is your chance to go beyond predicted grades and exam results, offering a window into your motivation and academic interests. You should clearly explain why this subject matters to you, what sparked your interest, how that interest has developed, and where you hope it will take you.
Admissions tutors are looking for a genuine and informed commitment to the subject. Vague statements like “I’ve always loved biology” don’t stand out. Instead, talk about a specific moment, problem, or topic that captured your imagination, and show how that moment has shaped your academic journey.
The Power of Supercurriculars
When answering “What have you done to prepare?”, focus on super-curriculars, academic activities you’ve undertaken beyond the classroom to deepen your subject knowledge. These might include attending public lectures, completing an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), reading academic books or journals, or taking part in subject-specific competitions.
The key is to reflect on these experiences, explaining what you learned, how they changed your perspective, and how they relate to the course you’re applying for. This reflection helps demonstrate intellectual curiosity, initiative, and readiness for university-level study.
Showing You’re the Right Fit
This is where you need to connect the dots between your A-level studies, super-curriculars, and any relevant work experience. Show how each of these has built skills and knowledge that will help you succeed on the course. For example, if you’re applying for Engineering, you might explain how Physics A-level developed your understanding of mechanics, while an online coding course taught you logical problem-solving, and a summer internship at a design firm gave you real-world insight into project management.
It’s important to demonstrate that you understand the academic and practical demands of the course. If your chosen subject requires extended reading, highlight how you’ve already engaged with challenging texts. If it involves research projects, mention times you’ve worked independently to investigate a topic in depth, such as for your EPQ or a self-initiated study.
Admissions tutors value transferable skills, abilities that will help you adapt and thrive at university, regardless of subject specifics. These include independent research, critical thinking, time management, resilience when tackling difficult concepts, and clear written and verbal communication. Use examples that prove you’ve already started developing these skills, and link them directly to how they will help you meet the challenges of the degree.
Structure Matters More Than Ever
With the new format, the structure is partly given to you by the three questions, but planning still matters. Within each answer, start with a clear opening statement, use evidence and examples to develop your points, and finish with a short conclusion that reinforces your suitability. Draft multiple versions and seek feedback from tutors or trusted readers.
At Ashbourne, students receive one-to-one guidance throughout this process. Tutors work closely with applicants to identify their strongest evidence, polish their phrasing, and maintain an authentic voice that feels personal but still professional, so the final statement not only answers UCAS’s three questions but does so with confidence, clarity, and impact.
Be Authentic and Professional
Universities want to hear from you, not a generic applicant. Avoid overused openings like “I have always been fascinated by…” and keep away from exaggerated claims that sound insincere. Instead, use genuine examples that show your interest and engagement.
Aim for a tone that is confident but not arrogant, professional yet still warm. Clear, concise language works best, letting your enthusiasm come through naturally in the experiences you share. The goal is to create a statement that could only have been written by you, honest, individual, and memorable.
Final Tips for the New UCAS Personal Statement Format
Stick to the character count for each section, prioritise super-curriculars over general extracurriculars, proofread carefully for grammar and spelling, and start early, great personal statements are rarely written in one sitting.
Finally, writing your personal statement under the new UCAS format may feel different, but it’s also an exciting opportunity to be more direct and purposeful in your answers. With careful planning, thoughtful reflection, and targeted evidence, you can create a statement that not only answers UCAS’s three questions but also captures who you are and why you’re ready for the next step. At Ashbourne, your UCAS tutor will be with you every step of the way, helping you uncover your strongest examples, refine your answers, and submit a statement you can be proud of.
1. What is the UCAS personal statement format for 2026 entry?
From 2026, the UCAS personal statement has changed. Instead of one long essay, applicants must answer three structured questions about course motivation, academic preparation, and relevant experiences outside school.
2. What are super-curricular activities in a UCAS personal statement?
Super-curriculars are academic activities beyond the classroom, such as public lectures, an EPQ, wider reading, or subject competitions. They show you’ve taken initiative to explore your chosen subject in depth.
3. What do admissions tutors look for in a personal statement?
They want evidence of genuine subject interest, academic readiness, and intellectual curiosity. Clear reflection on super-curriculars, A-level studies, and relevant skills is more valuable than generic claims.
4. Should I include extracurricular activities in my personal statement?
Yes, but keep them relevant. Admissions tutors prioritise super-curriculars over general extracurriculars, so focus on experiences that build academic or transferable skills.